The Mission System

The missionaries wanted to convert the Indians to their religion. What does convert mean?

• growing crops

• someone who works to spread religion.

• A type of brick.

• to convince someone to change their religion.

What did missionaries like Father Serra try to teach the Indians to do?

• sail ships

• to follow the Catholic religion

• hunt

• write in their own language

Where were the 21 missions in California built?

• In a row along the coast.

• High up in the mountains.

• In the desert.

• They were in a circle.

What were some of the jobs that Indians did at the mission?

• Indians worked as the priest in charge of the mission.

• They would spin wool into yarn, sew clothes, make adobe bricks, blacksmiths, make pottery, make baskets, and worked as farmers.

• Indians worked as soldiers.

• The Indians did not have jobs at the missions.

Once Indians arrived at the missions, their lives were forever changed. Which of these is one way their life was NOT changed?

• Indians could leave the mission whenever they wanted.

• Indians had to follow strict rules.

• Indians lost most of their freedom.

• Indians had to follow religious teachings.

What is was used to make adobe buildings at the missions?

• Reeds

• Clay bricks (adobe)

• Lumber (wood)

• Stone

What were some of the effects of mission life?

• Indian communities flourished and expanded.

• All the Indian's cultural traditions and customs were saved and did not disappear.

• No one died from disease.

• The lack of freedom and strict rules made Indians unhappy and their native culture began to disappear. Harsh punishments led to much suffering amongst the Indians. Disease spread from the Spanish to the Indians and many people died.

What is a vaquero's main job?

• Weaving cloth

• Farming

• Herding cattle (cows)

• Mining gold

What was the purpose of the presidio?

• training

• entertainment

• food

• protection

Some Indians chose to rebel against the mission system. What does rebel mean?

• to persuade someone to change their religion

• to fight back

• to raise crops

• the Spanish word for cowboy